Advent Joy

Joy can be found in many places. Today, we ponder which season brings the most joy:  remembering the past, experiencing the present, or anticipating the future? Which brings the least joy?

I notice that as I sit and reflect on these questions, there is a stirring that begins in my body. My mind, heart, and gut connect and remember both the joy and sorrow of the past. As I look to the future, I also sense both joy and sorrow. As I settle into the present, the now, I don’t immediately feel joyful, but I do sense the sorrow fade.

I breathe into this moment.  I realize there is nothing I can change about past sorrow or the sorrow that will come. These sorrows are inevitable.  Relationships do change, people do die, sickness happens, and our physical limitations increase.

I continue to breathe into this moment.  The moment that is now. The moment that is mine to be present to. This moment is the only moment I have the power to be present to, where what is real can be embraced.

As I settle into this moment, peace surfaces. My three centers not only connect but align. Nothing else matters except what is now. The voices of others in my head stop.  Anger diminishes. The need to perfect comes to a halt. Joy rises and love abounds.

Is this how joy rises?

I wonder if Mary had similar ponderings each time she became present to her now? I wonder if each time Jesus reached for her if she could sense him reaching for the world? I wonder if she could sense joy for the world as he changed and grew.

Depression settles when I stay stuck in the past. I reminisce on what was, what could have been, mistakes, and missed opportunities.

Anxiety comes when I worry about what may or may not happen, who will or will not be there, or who I may or may not become.

But when I am present to now, to this moment, I sense what is real. Yes, I may be broke, I may be burdened, my body may be failing me, but when I settle, when I become grounded, peace surfaces and joy rises. I don’t have to wait until morning. I can experience it now.

I’ve heard the phrase, “Follow your breath.” I believe there is much wisdom in that phrase.

Try it. 

Close your eyes. Sense your body grounded in the chair that supports you. Take a few deep breaths.  Then let your breath return to normal.  Simply notice your breath. Don’t try to control it. Just notice it.

Following the breath has many benefits.  One I have noticed lately is joy. It could be this Advent season reminding me that joy is near. Either way, it’s present!

Follow your breath…see what surfaces!